Hard Hat Lounge
Bar · Gateway District ·
Dive bar with smash burgers, tots, and craft beer selection
Dive bar with smash burgers, tots, and craft beer selection
"Perhaps best known for the mural on the wall allegedly painted by Frank Bowers in 1962 to pay off a bar tab, the Hard Hat Lounge is now under new ownership but continues to pump out game-day specials and industry nights. When late nights get hungry, the Stay Tuned Burgers residency inside makes some of the best smash burgers in town. Get it with tots." - Janna Karel
"Located inside the classic Hard Hat Lounge, Stay Tuned Burgers makes classic smash burgers with hand-ground patties slathered in sauce, house-made pickles, and diced onions. The result is a juicy burger with a crispy lacy crust, all sandwiched between two toasted buns. Order it to go or at the bar." - Janna Karel
"The ’60s‑era Hard Hat Lounge was renovated and re‑opened in December with new floors and plumbing, and now partners with Stay Tuned Burgers — a pop‑up serving smash burgers out of the bar’s kitchen — preserving the historic bar’s character while refreshing its offerings." - Janna Karel
"Temporarily closed for structural renovations to the foundation and plumbing, I found the downtown dive bar is expected to reopen later this summer (Sidoris is eyeing the first week of June) and will keep its current look and art because it’s one of the three oldest bars in Vegas. The renovations are meant to fix old pipes, wiring and plumbing without changing the bar’s feel; when it reopens Sidoris plans to add a gaming license (targeted for June or July) with 15 video poker machines and ultimately offer food 24 hours, while keeping the venue non-smoking and continuing to host local bands. Hard Hat Lounge is located at 1675 South Industrial Road." - Ryan Slattery
"Set in a blue-collar part of town at 1675 South Industrial Road, this longtime spot dates back to a diner in 1962 and became the Hard Hat Lounge in 1970, making it one of the three oldest bars in town. Under new owners Robby Cunningham and Frank Sidoris, I found a commitment to retain what works—discounts for construction workers, good drinks, good music, and the historic mural behind the bar—while addressing needed repairs (hanging drooping cables, pungent plumbing smells, and poor lighting), moving pool tables to create mixed-use space, and adding more events and industry nights. They plan to bring back bartop gaming when the license is sorted, draw inspiration from nearby community-focused venues, and host guest bartenders and local entertainers; to celebrate the new ownership they held a block party with DJs, wrestling, carnival entertainment, beer and hot dog carts, a raffle, and Guerrilla Pizza. The lounge is listed as open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and is praised for great food for lunch and late evenings, craft beers, good service, and being a place for local bands to play." - Janna Karel